Photo Amy Kaplan MMA on YouTube used for journalistic purposes, no copyright infringement intended.
Yuneisy Duben stole the spotlight at Tuesday’s Contender Series event, and her victory was much more than just another knockout—it was life-changing.
Duben (6-0, 1 NC) stunned the MMA world with a 73-second, one-punch KO of heavily favored Shannon Clark (5-1).
But according to UFC President Dana White, the 28-year-old prospect wasn’t just fighting for a contract—she was fighting to survive. White revealed that Duben was facing serious financial struggles leading up to the fight and even needed UFC staff to step in and buy her groceries.
“The biggest upset in Contender Series history,” White declared. “[UFC matchmaker] Mick [Maynard] said she almost didn’t make it. She has no money—literally not a dollar. Her per diem got messed up, so staff went grocery shopping for her. And then she comes in and does that. She ain’t broke now.”
Not only did Duben earn her UFC contract, but White also gifted her a performance bonus. Though the amount wasn’t disclosed, it’s clear Duben’s fortunes are changing fast.
Originally from Venezuela and now training in Peru, Duben shared her emotional story in the post-fight interview.
Starting work at 12, she’s long supported herself, her family, and her MMA dreams, often relying on donated equipment. UFC staff’s kindness and her faith helped her push through, but Duben always knew she was going to seize her moment.
“I was determined,” Duben said. “I knew I was going to fight, I knew I was going to win, and I knew this night was mine. It didn’t matter what happened before.”
Duben’s laser focus saw her through, even without a traditional pre-fight warm-up. She entered the UFC APEX with one clear vision: landing the knockout.
“I visualized it,” Duben recalled. “Every step, I knew I’d win. This red corner was going to come out victorious, and that’s exactly what happened.”
With grit and belief, Yuneisy Duben turned a desperate situation into the most electrifying night of her career.